FAMOUS FATHER-SON DUOS

Being that today is Fathers’ Day I thought it would be appropriate to mark the occasion by profiling various famous and successful father-son duos.  As you might imagine there are many, many examples from which to choose.  I have selected the following from the worlds of politics, entertainment and sports:

Politics

• John Adams and John Quincy Adams – The Adams’ were one of only two father-son duos to become Presidents of the US. Political preferences aside, you have to respect that achievement. John was not only the second President (1797-1801) he also served as Vice President for eight years under George Washington. Prior to that, he was a strong advocate of independence, one of the Founding Fathers, and assisted Thomas Jefferson in drafting the Declaration of Independence. Quincy was the sixth President (1825-1829). In addition, he had a long career as a diplomat, a Senator and a member of the House of Representatives. He was one of the architects of the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the War of 1812, and of treaties with Britain, over the Canadian border, and Spain, over Florida. As Secretary of State he helped draft the Monroe Doctrine.

• George H. W. and George W. Bush – The Bushes were the other father-son duo to become President. Again, even if you don’t agree with their politics you have to respect their achievement. HW was the 41^st President (1989-1993). Prior to that he served with distinction in the USN during WWII, ran the CIA, was an ambassador, and served in Congress. Since leaving the Presidency, he has been heavily engaged in humanitarian activities. W was the 43^rd President ( 2001-2009). Prior to that, he was Governor of Texas. His Presidency was marked by controversy, but he did lead us successfully through the trying period after “9/11.”

Entertainment

• Mike and Chris Wallace – Mike had a long and varied career. He began on radio in 1939 when he was still in college. After a stint in the navy during WWII he starred in a short-lived police drama (“Standby for Crime”), hosted game shows and interview shows, did commercials for Parliament cigarettes, and anchored various news shows. However, he is best known for his long-time stint on “60 Minutes” (1968-2006). Chris has spent 40 years as a well-respected network journalist for NBC, ABC and Fox. The highlights of his career include “Today,” “Meet the Press,” “Nightline,” and “Fox News Sunday.”

• Berry Gordy and “Redfoo” – Berry Gordy is a record producer and songwriter, but he is best known as the founder and prime mover of the Motown record label. He has discovered and/or developed numerous music stars, such as the Supremes, the Jackson 5, Mary Wells, and Smokey Robinson. He was inducted into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. Stefan Kendal Gordy, aka “Redfoo,” is a renowned rapper, dancer, record producer, and DJ, however, he is best-known as the founder of the electro-pop band LMAO.

• Kirk and Michael Douglas – Kirk is a classic American success story. Born Issur Danielovich to Russian immigrant parents, he became a successful actor, producer, director and author. He was a leading box office star during the 1950s and 1960s specializing in dramas, war movies and westerns. Perhaps, his finest role was as Vincent Van Gogh in the movie “Lust for Life.”  He has received three Oscar nominations, one Oscar for Lifetime Achievement, authored ten novels and memoirs and is #17 on the American Film Institute’s list of the greatest male screen legends. Michael is a successful actor and producer both on tv and in the movies. He has won two Oscars, four Golden Globes, one Emmy and the AFI’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Sports – I could write a book just on the countless father-son-duos in sports.  Due to time and space limitations I will only profile a few.

1.   Ray, Bob, Bret and Aaron Boone – Ray was an infielder during the 1940s and 1950s for various teams, mostly the Indians. Bob was a catcher in the 1970s and 1980s for the Phillies. He won the World Series in 1980. Bret and Aaron played the infield for various teams during the 1990s and 2000s.

2.   Felipe and Moises Alou – Felipe played the outfield from 1958-1974, mostly for the Giants. He was voted onto three all-Star teams. Moises was a six-time all-Star and won the World Series in 1997 with the Marlins. Felipe also had two brothers, Matty and Jesus, who played in the Majors. On at least one occasion, all three appeared in the same outfield at the same time.

3.  Clay Matthews, Jr and III – Both Clay Matthews have been Pro Bowl linebackers in the NFL, and they are the only father-son duo to have won the Defensive Player of the Week award.

4.  Bobby and Bret Hull – Both Hulls were Hall-of-Fame NHL players, the only father-son duo to have been so-honored.  Bobby is considered to be one of the best ever.  He won the Hart Trophy twice, the Art Ross Trophy three times and was a ten-time All-Star. Bret was third all-time in goals scored and tied for first (with Wayne Gretsky) for most game-winning playoff goals.

5.  Man o’ War and War Admiral – Man o’ War was an outstanding thoroughbred, winning 20 of 21 races. War Admiral won the Triple Crown of thoroughbred racing.

6.  Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning – Archie was a two-time Pro Bowl NFL quarterback and a member of the College Football Hall of Fame. Peyton has won four MVPs, one Super Bowl and been to twelve Pro Bowls. He is considered to be one of the all-time greatest quarterbacks. Eli, though not as accomplished, has won two Super Bowls and was voted MVP both times.

CONCLUSION

Well, there you have it.  Obviously, due to time and space constraints I was forced to omit many other worthy duos.  Did I omit one of your favorites?  Let me know.